Find motivation in nature. Good old-fashioned sunshine can do wonders for a workout. Exercises like swimming, running, soccer, basketball, yoga, tennis, golf and cycling can all be performed outdoors. If heat is an issue, try an early-morning workout. You may find that working out while the sun rises can be tranquil for the mind and body. The sounds of nature can be healing and offer a peace that is often missed with the indoor workout experience.

Gain natural vitamins. With so much time spent inside, it's easy to forget the positive energizing effects of the great outdoors. Being active outdoors can offer additional health benefits for those with a Vitamin D deficiency by providing a healthy dose of sun and fresh air. But when exercising in the sun, always remember to wear sunscreen.

New Research: World Malaria Day recognizes progress

April 25 is World Malaria Day, and it is an opportunity to acknowledge the strides we have made in controlling malaria, as well as the how much is left to do. In 2000, an estimated 350 million to 500 million clinical cases of malaria occurred worldwide and more than 1 million people died from the disease. By 2009, there were about 225 million cases of clinical malaria and 781,000 deaths.

-- the World Health Organization

Did You Know?

The American Dietetic Association says Easter eggs, like any high-protein food, are not safe to eat if left outside the refrigerator for two hours or longer. Make a second batch for just for eating. – EatRight.org

In the gym

Fixed motion exercises are guided by the machine, helping to target specific muscle groups in a stabilized and controlled environment. The range of motion is defined by the machine, so movement will remain consistent during each repetition.

Cable motion machines like allow users to determine their own path of motion, which offers unlimited exercise variety, similar to free weights. They require more joint and core stabilization and can produce results quickly because users are able to work multiple muscle groups at once.

-- Lifetime Fitness

Number to Know

1.1 percent: The number of stillbirths worldwide has declined by only 1.1 percent per year, from 3 million in 1995 to 2.6 million in 2009.

– World Health Organization

Children’s Health: LGB youth suicide study

A recent study found that the risk of suicide attempts among lesbian, gay and bisexual youth living in counties that were less supportive of homosexuality was 20 percent higher than LGB youth living in supportive counties. Many of the aspects of the social environment that were included in the measure (e.g., presence of gay-straight alliances, anti-bullying policies and anti-discrimination policies) can be addressed through implementing school-level policies that create supportive and inclusive environments. Results suggest that these school-level policies will not only decrease suicide attempts among LGB youth, but also among heterosexual youth.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Senior Health: Singing may help before surgery

Doctors report that singing reduced the blood pressure of a 76-year-old woman who had experienced severe preoperative hypertension prior to total knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis. While the patient was unresponsive to aggressive pharmacologic interventions, the woman’s blood pressure dropped dramatically when she sang several religious songs.

This single case study showed the positive effective of singing in reducing blood pressure and controlling pain, but more studies are needed to be proven formally.

“Several studies suggest that listening to music can be effective in reducing blood pressure by calming or diverting patients prior to surgery, which lessens stress and anxiety,” explains study author Nina Niu, a researcher from Harvard Medical School in Boston. “Our case study expands on medical evidence by showing that producing music or singing also has potential therapeutic effects in the preoperative setting ... Singing is simple, safe, and free. Patients should be encouraged to sing if they wish.”

-- American College of Rheumatology

GateHouse News Service

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